The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-03-26

How His Treatment Led Dissipated PO1iti-
clan to Reform.

Boston Record.
''Do remember Andrew J. Robertsgr quoth
an old State politician. "Yes. He had check
cred career poor man. But, with all his short
comings, he was a bright indeed brilliant man.
He was a great politician years ago. and not only
took extraordinary interest in the great ques-
tons of the day, but knew intimately all the
prominent public men. He we'll read, in
tellieent and good talker. but he had a failing.
He could not be depended upon. and at ticaes
was helpless.
HE used to hang around the State Republican
headquarters from morning until night through
out the campaign, and campaigns lasted in those
days nearly I'VE months. It was during the
anti slavery days. When everybody was at the
highest pitch of excitement l remember one
day in particular when a number of prominent
politicians were assembled at headquarters,
among them Charles Sumner and Henry Will
son. Sumner was in the rear room, Wilson in
the front In walked Roberts. He talked in a
loud voice and disturbed the whole assembly.
Stepping into the rear room, he spied Sumner in
earnest conversation with friend. Giving him
tremendous slap on the shoulder, he shouted.
ID" you, Sumner: how are you! Why don't
you be as hearty and genial as Jour friend
Wilson,
1.-The effect of this rough handling Of Sumner
can readily be imagined by those who remem be-
or have read of the dienifed and scholarly man.
1t was not only a shock but an insult Sumner
turned as white as sheet but said nothing
He realized Robertss condition, and wisely kept
his peace. Roberts severely reprimanded
and turned out Of the room.
1t was not long after this that Roberts came
to want and grief. He was actually destitute
He looked hungry, and WAS poorly clad. In
despair he came to me one day for work or ad-
vice. The big tears rolled down his cheeks as
he told me how destitute and degraded be was.
and how he longed to reform. 1 told him had
no work for him, and advised him to go to Sum-
ner.
Go to Sumner he said. oh, no; insulted
Sumner short time ago. I can't 60 to him..
Eyes you cam / said. Go to him just as
you have come to Tell him frankly the
whole story. and am confident he will help you.
Roberts did as advised. About 10 o'clock
the next morning he buttoned his shabby coat
| around his neck to hide his flannel shirt, and
| made his way to the man whom he had grossly
iusulted but short time before. Sumner it is
we'll known, was always a late riser. and seldom
breakfasted before IL o'clock. He received
| to breakfast, listened patiently to his story
| Roberts told me afterwards that that was the
| first square meal he had eaten for long time.
| In less than two days Roberts was given a
position IN the hayward, and henceforth was a
different man. When he told me later his ex-
| perience with Sumner that morning, his eyes
flied with tears and his voice trembled with
emotion. 1t was q magnanimouS act on the
| part of Sumner, and an outward expression of
his true character.
'1t was the turning point in Roberts's career.
Only few months ago he delivered one Of the
| best temperance speeches l ever heard in my
| life. Up to the day of his death, which &C.
Cured quite recently, he had a great veneration
| for the memory of Sumner, the man who was SO
kind and generous to him in time Of trouble"